Vehicle with ramp device

Abstract

A vehicle equipped with a ramp device for assisting wheelchair boarding and alighting is provided. The vehicle includes a plurality of cross members, a pair of lower longitudinal members connected to each other at intervals, a floor panel combined to the pair of lower longitudinal members and having a recess formed by being concaved downward, and at least one reinforcing cross member installed on the floor panel and having both ends combined to the lower longitudinal members, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a ramp device for assisting wheelchairs in getting on and off the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Buses or special vehicles for wheelchair users typically include ramps to assist wheelchair users in getting on and off the bus. These ramps are equipped with a platform housed within the vehicle body, configured to extend from the vehicle body towards the ground at a certain incline relative to the ground, either manually by the user or automatically by a motor.

[0003] For example, in vehicles that use an electric motor as a drive source, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, high-voltage batteries are used as the energy source to drive the motor, and battery modules comprising multiple battery cells are mounted on the vehicle body at the bottom. In this case, if a wheelchair ramp is installed on the vehicle, it cannot be used because the ramp is mainly installed at the bottom of the vehicle and interferes with the layout of the battery module.

[0004] To prevent this problem, if the ramp is placed on the vehicle's floor panel, the step height will increase, making it inconvenient for passengers to get in and out. Furthermore, if the ramp is lowered along with the floor panel, the vehicle's frame structure will break, reducing rigidity and making it difficult to disperse collision energy, thus making it vulnerable to side impacts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle capable of mounting a ramp device without interfering with the layout of the battery module.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a vehicle capable of enhancing the rigidity of the vehicle body and its support in side impacts.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle may include: a plurality of crossbeams connecting a pair of lower longitudinal beams spaced apart from each other; a floor panel attached to the pair of lower longitudinal beams and having a recessed portion formed downwards; and at least one reinforcing crossbeam mounted on the floor panel and attached at both ends to the lower longitudinal beams respectively.

[0008] The vehicle may also include a ramp device installed in the recess on the floor panel.

[0009] The aforementioned lower longitudinal beam may include: an inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam; an outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam, one side of which is connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam; an outer plate of the lower longitudinal beam, connected to the other side of the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam; and a reinforcing longitudinal beam connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam on the side opposite to the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam.

[0010] The aforementioned reinforcing longitudinal beams may be formed from extruded material to have at least one closed cross section.

[0011] The aforementioned reinforcing longitudinal beams can be bolted together with the aforementioned floor panels, the aforementioned reinforcing crossbeams, and the aforementioned ramp device.

[0012] The aforementioned lower longitudinal beam may further include a lower longitudinal beam extension between the lower longitudinal beam inner plate and the reinforcing longitudinal beam, and an inclined panel partially surrounding the reinforcing longitudinal beam, wherein the lower longitudinal beam extension and the inclined panel may each have an upper end portion attached to the floor panel and a lower end portion attached to the lower longitudinal beam inner plate.

[0013] The aforementioned plurality of crossbeams may include a pair of first crossbeams and a pair of second crossbeams, and the first crossbeams and the second crossbeams may be attached to the lower surface of the aforementioned floor panel.

[0014] The first crossbeam can be attached to the ramp device, and the recess can be located between the pair of first crossbeams, with a depth equal to the height of the housing of the ramp device.

[0015] The aforementioned second crossbeam can be spaced apart from and arranged parallel to the aforementioned first crossbeam, and the aforementioned pair of second crossbeams can be connected to the reinforcing longitudinal beams of the aforementioned pair of lower longitudinal beams to form a quadrilateral skeleton structure.

[0016] The vehicle may also include a plurality of inner longitudinal beams disposed between the pair of lower longitudinal beams and connecting the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam.

[0017] The aforementioned multiple inner longitudinal beams can be connected to the lower surface of the aforementioned floor panel, and the aforementioned inner longitudinal beams can be connected to the front longitudinal beam or rear longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

[0018] The aforementioned ramp device may include: a housing; and a plurality of reinforcing rails attached to the upper surface of the housing.

[0019] The aforementioned reinforcing rail can extend across the aforementioned housing, and its ends protrude from the aforementioned housing on both sides of the aforementioned housing, and the ends on both sides can be bolted to the aforementioned first crossbeam, so that the aforementioned reinforcing rail connects the aforementioned pair of first crossbeams.

[0020] The side wall of the aforementioned housing may be provided with a mounting bracket having bolt holes, the aforementioned first crossbeam may be provided with a plurality of partitions having bolt holes and spaced apart from each other, and the aforementioned reinforcing rail, the aforementioned mounting bracket and the aforementioned partitions may be connected together to the aforementioned floor panel by bolts.

[0021] The aforementioned reinforcing rail can be connected to two inner longitudinal beams that are arranged in a straight line and spaced apart from each other along the length of the vehicle.

[0022] The aforementioned ramp device may include at least one channel portion formed on the lower surface of the aforementioned housing and accommodating the aforementioned reinforcing beam.

[0023] The aforementioned reinforcing beams may be located within the aforementioned recesses on the aforementioned floor panel and may be arranged parallel to the aforementioned plurality of beams. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view;

[0027] Figure 3 It was omitted. Figure 1 A 3D view of the ramp device and seat rails in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A three-dimensional view and an enlarged sectional view of part A;

[0029] Figure 5 It is viewed from below. Figure 1 A three-dimensional image;

[0030] Figure 6 It was omitted. Figure 5 A 3D view of the battery in the image;

[0031] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken from the BB line;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the working state of the ramp device;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the ramp installation;

[0034] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged sectional view of part C; and

[0035] Figure 11 It is viewed from below. Figure 9 A three-dimensional image. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. Regarding the reference numerals for components in the various drawings, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0037] In this specification, "vehicle" refers to any vehicle that moves people, animals, or objects from a starting point to a destination. Such vehicles are not limited to those that travel on roads or tracks.

[0038] In this specification, for ease of explanation, the invention is described using vehicles such as hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles that have an electric motor that receives power from a battery as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] In this specification, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the order, size, position or importance of these components are not limited by terms such as "first" and "second" and are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0040] In this manual, the terms “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” and “rear” used in relation to direction are based on the vehicle or body definition.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle according to one embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The 3D view of the ramp and seat rails is omitted. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A three-dimensional view and an enlarged sectional view of part A.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a vehicle according to one embodiment may include a floor panel 30, a plurality of crossbeams 31 and 32, at least one reinforcing crossbeam 40, and a ramp device 50.

[0043] The vehicle may include a body, and the body may be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The frame structure of the body may consist of a pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 extending along the length direction X of the vehicle and forming the side of the body, and a plurality of crossbeams 31 and 32 extending along the width direction Y of the vehicle and connecting to the two lower longitudinal beams 20.

[0044] A pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 may be provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the vehicle body, and the pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 may be spaced apart from each other along the width direction Y of the vehicle. These lower longitudinal beams 20 can form the appearance of the side of the vehicle while protecting the passenger space in the event of a side collision.

[0045] At least one of the pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 may have an upper surface formed as a recess 21 lower than the surrounding area in the middle portion. This recess may be located below a vehicle door (not shown). The space formed by this recess can be used to accommodate the platform 52 of the ramp device 50 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8 Enter and move.

[0046] The lower longitudinal beam 20 may include an inner plate 22, an outer reinforcing member 23, and an outer plate 24.

[0047] The inner plate 22 of the lower longitudinal beam can be joined to one side of the outer stiffener 23 of the lower longitudinal beam. The outer stiffener 23 of the lower longitudinal beam can be joined to the inner plate 22 of the lower longitudinal beam to form a closed section. By forming a closed section, the rigidity of the lower longitudinal beam 20 can be enhanced, thereby attenuating the collision load during a side impact of the vehicle.

[0048] The outer plate 24 of the lower longitudinal beam can be joined to the other side of the outer reinforcement 23 of the lower longitudinal beam.

[0049] The lower longitudinal beam 20 can be joined together by triple welding of the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22, the lower longitudinal beam outer reinforcement 23 and the lower longitudinal beam outer plate 24 at its lower or upper ends.

[0050] In addition, the upper or lower end of the lower longitudinal beam 20 may be treated with a sealant (not shown) in the vehicle length direction X to form a seal.

[0051] In a vehicle according to one embodiment, each lower longitudinal beam 20 may further include a reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 connected to the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22, a lower longitudinal beam extension 26 between the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22 and the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25, and an inclined panel 27 surrounding the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25.

[0052] The reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 can be extruded from materials such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 may have at least one closed section, or it may have an internal partition structure to have multiple closed sections. Multiple closed sections can supplement the bearing stiffness of the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 itself and enable the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 to directly receive and withstand the impact when the vehicle is subjected to a side impact.

[0053] The reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 can be connected via the lower longitudinal beam extension 26 to the inner surface of the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22 in the vehicle width direction Y, for example, the surface opposite to the lower longitudinal beam outer reinforcement 23.

[0054] The reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 enhances the rigidity of the lower longitudinal beam 20, whose cross-sectional dimensions in the vertical direction (e.g., the vehicle height direction Z) are reduced due to the recess 21. Furthermore, when the vehicle is subjected to a side impact, the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 supports the inward deformation of the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22 in the vehicle width direction Y, while simultaneously absorbing the impact load by deforming together with the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22.

[0055] The reinforced longitudinal beam 25 not only ensures rigidity against lateral impact energy acting on the lower longitudinal beam 20, but also ensures rigidity against impact energy acting in the vehicle's length direction X.

[0056] By constructing and arranging the reinforcing longitudinal beams 25 in this way, the inward intrusion of the lower longitudinal beams 20 can be minimized in the event of a side collision, thus enabling the vehicle to protect passengers as safely as possible.

[0057] In a vehicle according to one embodiment, the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 of the lower longitudinal beam 20 can be bolted to the floor panel 30, the reinforcing crossbeam 40, and the ramp device 50.

[0058] To connect the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 to the floor panel 30, the reinforcing crossbeam 40, and the ramp device 50, the reinforcing longitudinal beam may be equipped with a pipe nut 29.

[0059] A through hole 28 can be formed on the upper surface of the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25, and a pipe nut 29 can be assembled and welded to the through hole. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 and the pipe nut 29 can be formed integrally.

[0060] The pipe nut 29 is a component used to fasten the floor panel 30, the reinforcing crossbeam 40, and the ramp device 50 together to the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 via bolts 9. The pipe nut 29 is mounted on the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 and may be configured to protrude from the upper surface of the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25. A hollow threaded hole may be formed in the pipe nut 29 along its length.

[0061] The tube nut 29 can penetrate the floor panel 30 and reach the inner surface of the mounting portion 41 provided on the reinforcing beam 40. Next, the bolt 9 inserted into the ramp device 50 can pass through the lower housing 51b of the ramp device 50, the mounting portion 41 of the reinforcing beam 40 and the floor panel 30 in sequence, and be inserted and tightened to the tube nut 29.

[0062] At this time, a tool hole 55 can be formed on the upper surface of the upper housing 51a of the housing 51 that constitutes the ramp device 50, into which a tool can be inserted to tighten the bolt 9.

[0063] The lower longitudinal beam extension 26 can be formed from a plate with a cross-sectional shape bent into an inverted L shape. The lower end of the lower longitudinal beam extension 26 can be joined to the inner plate 22 of the lower longitudinal beam by welding methods such as spot welding.

[0064] In this case, the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 formed by extrusion material is made of a different material than the inner plate 22 of the lower longitudinal beam or the extension 26 of the lower longitudinal beam, so they cannot be directly connected to each other by means of spot welding or other joining methods.

[0065] Therefore, the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 can be joined to the lower longitudinal beam extension 26 by means of a dissimilar material joining member 8, such as a flow drill screw (FDS), thereby substantially connecting it to the lower longitudinal beam inner plate 22 and the lower longitudinal beam 20.

[0066] Furthermore, the upper end of the lower longitudinal beam extension 26, which is formed horizontally by folding, can be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding.

[0067] The inclined panel 27 can partially surround the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 from the inside in the vehicle width direction Y while connecting the lower longitudinal beam 20 and the floor panel 30.

[0068] The upper end of the inclined panel 27, which is formed horizontally by folding, can be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding, and the lower end of the inclined panel, which is formed vertically by folding, can be joined to the outer side of the inner plate 22 of the lower longitudinal beam by welding methods such as spot welding.

[0069] In addition, an adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the inclined surface provided on the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 so that the inclined panel 27 and the reinforcing longitudinal beam can be joined.

[0070] The lower longitudinal beam extension 26 and the inclined panel 27 can form an additional lower longitudinal beam positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction Y than the lower longitudinal beam 20.

[0071] Therefore, the lower longitudinal beam 20 can be connected to the floor panel 30 and installed on the vehicle body via the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25, the lower longitudinal beam extension 26 and the inclined panel 27.

[0072] Figure 5 It is viewed from below. Figure 1 3D image, Figure 6 It shows the battery omitted. Figure 5 3D image, Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken from the BB line.

[0073] Reference Figures 5 to 7 According to one embodiment, a vehicle may include a battery module 60 arranged at the middle of the vehicle's length direction X and at the lower part of its height direction Z. A battery space S for mounting the battery module may be provided in the vehicle body.

[0074] For example, battery module 60 may include one or more battery cells capable of being charged and discharged, a battery housing 61 housing the battery cells, and a cover 62 covering the upper part of the battery housing. Since the construction of battery modules is well known, a detailed description of the battery module construction is omitted in this specification, and the battery module is described and shown as a single component.

[0075] The floor panel 30 can be installed above the battery space S. Specifically, the battery module 60 can be installed on a pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 to be arranged below the floor panel 30.

[0076] In detail, for example, side flanges 63 can be provided on both sides of the battery housing 61, and each side flange 63 is connected to the lower surface of the inner plate 22 of the corresponding lower longitudinal beam 20 by bolts or the like, so that the battery module 60 can be installed on a pair of lower longitudinal beams.

[0077] Multiple crossbeams 31 and 32 can be joined at intervals from the front end to the rear end of the vehicle body to the side of the lower longitudinal beam 20 (e.g., the inclined surface of the inclined panel 27) and the lower surface of the floor panel 30.

[0078] The multiple crossbeams may include a pair of first crossbeams 31 and a pair of second crossbeams 32, distinguished by whether they are attached to the ramp device 50 or their location.

[0079] The first crossbeam 31 may be arranged adjacent to the ramp device 50 so that the ramp device can be combined with it. The second crossbeam 32 may be spaced outward from the ramp device and the first crossbeam along the vehicle length direction X and arranged parallel to the first crossbeam.

[0080] The multiple crossbeams 31 and 32 may each be formed as a component from a single plate having, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is bent or folded into an open section, or as a component formed by joining two or more plates in their length direction, i.e., the vehicle width direction Y. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the crossbeams may be configured as tubular components having a hollow interior and a polygonal cross-sectional shape with more than four sides.

[0081] For example, the first crossbeam 31 may have an approximately L-shaped open section, and the second crossbeam 32 may have an approximately U-shaped open section.

[0082] Optionally, first flange surfaces may be formed at both ends of the crossbeams 31 and 32 in the length direction, i.e., at both ends in the vehicle width direction Y. Each first flange surface may be inclined in a manner corresponding to the inclined surface of the inclined panel 27 of the lower longitudinal beam 20. The first flange surfaces may be joined to the outer surface of the inclined surface of the inclined panel 27 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, a second flange surface may be formed on the edges of the crossbeams 31 and 32 extending along their length direction to connect the crossbeams to the floor panel 30. The second flange surface may be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide, etc.

[0084] These multiple crossbeams 31 and 32 can enhance the body's rigidity against collision loads entering along the length of the crossbeams due to the folded cross-sectional shape of the crossbeams.

[0085] Furthermore, the reinforcing longitudinal beams 25 of a pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 and a pair of second crossbeams 32 connecting these reinforcing longitudinal beams can form a quadrilateral skeleton structure F. A pair of first crossbeams 31 are arranged within the quadrilateral skeleton structure, thereby further reinforcing the skeleton structure.

[0086] The quadrilateral frame structure F increases the rigidity of the vehicle body and serves as a load path for transmitting collision loads during a vehicle collision, thereby responding to the collision and reducing the amount of deformation of the vehicle body.

[0087] The vehicle body may also include a plurality of inner longitudinal beams 33 extending along the vehicle length direction X between a pair of lower longitudinal beams 20 and connecting the first crossbeam 31 and the second crossbeam 32.

[0088] Each of the plurality of inner longitudinal beams 33 may be composed of a single plate having, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is bent or flexed to have an open section, but is not limited thereto. For example, each inner longitudinal beam 33 may have a generally U-shaped open section.

[0089] For example, taking the ramp device 50 as a reference, a pair of inner longitudinal beams 33 may be located on one side of the ramp device 50, and another pair of inner longitudinal beams 33 may be located on the other side of the ramp device.

[0090] The inner longitudinal beam 33 located on one side of the ramp device 50 and the inner longitudinal beam 33 located on the other side of the ramp device can be aligned along the vehicle length direction X, but are not connected to each other. In detail, the ramp device 50 can be located between the inner longitudinal beams 33 aligned along the vehicle length direction.

[0091] When a vehicle is subjected to a side impact, the impact load transmitted to the crossbeams 31 and 32 is transferred to the corresponding inner longitudinal beam 33, which is mechanically connected to the crossbeams, and can be distributed along the inner longitudinal beam in the vehicle's length direction X. Therefore, the inner longitudinal beam 33 can increase the durability and rigidity of the vehicle body, thereby minimizing the deformation of the vehicle body during a side impact.

[0092] For example, when one side of the vehicle's length direction X is referred to as the front and the other side as the rear for the purpose of distinction, the vehicle body may include a pair of front longitudinal beams 11 extending from a second crossbeam 32 on one side and a pair of rear longitudinal beams 12 extending from a second crossbeam on the other side.

[0093] In this configuration, the inner longitudinal beam 33 on one side can be aligned with and connected to the front longitudinal beam 11 in the vehicle length direction X, and the inner longitudinal beam 33 on the other side can be aligned with and connected to the rear longitudinal beam 12 in the vehicle length direction.

[0094] Optionally, a first flange surface may be formed at one end of the inner longitudinal beam 33 along its length (e.g., the vehicle length direction X). The first flange surface may be joined to the lower surface of the first crossbeam 31 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide.

[0095] Furthermore, a second flange surface may be formed on the edge of the inner longitudinal beam 33 extending along its length direction (e.g., the vehicle length direction X) to connect the inner longitudinal beam to the floor panel 30. The second flange surface may be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide, etc.

[0096] When the vehicle body includes multiple inner longitudinal beams 33, the second crossbeam 32 in the crossbeam may include a middle portion 32a and a pair of partitions 32b spaced apart from each other on both sides of the middle portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] First flange surfaces can be formed at both ends along the length direction (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) of the intermediate portion 32a. Each first flange surface can be joined to the lower surface of the inner longitudinal beam 33 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide.

[0098] Furthermore, a second flange surface may be formed on the edge of the intermediate portion 32a extending along the length direction (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) to connect the intermediate portion to the floor panel 30. The second flange surface may be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide.

[0099] First flange surfaces can be formed at both ends of each segment 32b along its length (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y). One side of the first flange surface can be joined to the inclined surface of the inclined panel 27 of the lower longitudinal beam 20, and the other side of the first flange surface can be joined to the lower surface of the inner longitudinal beam 33 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide.

[0100] Similarly, a second flange surface can be formed on the edge extending along the length direction (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) of each segment 32b to connect the segment to the floor panel 30. The second flange surface can be joined to the lower surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide.

[0101] The floor panel 30 can be arranged between a pair of lower longitudinal beams 20. The floor panel can divide the passenger space for passengers to ride in the vehicle.

[0102] In detail, the floor panel 30 can be joined to the lower longitudinal beam 20 by at least welding the left and right edges of the floor panel 30 to the lower longitudinal beam extension 26 of each lower longitudinal beam 20.

[0103] In addition, the floor panel 30 can be placed on the first crossbeam 31, the second crossbeam 32 and the inner longitudinal beam 33, and can be connected to the first crossbeam 31, the second crossbeam 32 and the inner longitudinal beam 33 by means of welding and / or bolting.

[0104] In a vehicle according to one embodiment, the floor panel 30 may include a recessed portion 35 formed downwardly. The recessed portion 35 may be located between a pair of first crossbeams 31.

[0105] The floor panel 30 with the recess 35 can be formed from a metal material such as steel, and can be formed by molding, bending, roll forming or a combination thereof using a press.

[0106] The recess 35 may have a generally U-shaped or inverted trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Through this recess 35, the floor panel 30 may be formed in a stepped manner along the length of the vehicle.

[0107] For ease of explanation, the bottom surface of the recess 35 is referred to as the first plane 36, and the upper surface of the floor panel 30 excluding the recess is referred to as the second plane 38. The floor panel 30 may have one first plane 36 and a pair of second planes 38 due to its two-stage stepped shape.

[0108] The depth of the recess 35 may be equal to or greater than the depth of the recess 21 formed in the lower longitudinal beam 20. Furthermore, the depth of the recess may be equal to the height of the housing 51 of the ramp device 50.

[0109] Therefore, the ramp device 50 can be stably installed in the recess 35, and the ramp device 50 will not be interfered with or obstructed during operation.

[0110] At least one reinforcing crossbeam 40 is mounted on the floor panel 30, with its two ends respectively connected to the lower longitudinal beam 20. The reinforcing crossbeam 40 may extend across the floor panel 30 in the vehicle width direction Y on a first plane 36 in a recess 35 of the floor panel. Specifically, the reinforcing crossbeam 40 may be arranged on the floor panel 30 between a pair of first crossbeams 31, parallel to the first crossbeams 31.

[0111] The reinforcing beam 40 may be formed from a single plate having, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is bent or folded into an open section. However, the invention is not limited to this; the reinforcing beam 40 may also be a tubular member having an internal hollow portion and a polygonal cross-sectional shape with more than one quadrilateral.

[0112] For example, the reinforcing beam 40 may have an approximately inverted U-shaped open section.

[0113] Optionally, a flange surface may be formed on the edge of the reinforcing beam 40 extending along its length direction (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) to connect the reinforcing beam 40 to the floor panel 30. Therefore, the reinforcing beam 40 may have a cap-shaped cross-section. The flange surface may be joined to the upper surface of the floor panel 30 by welding methods such as spot welding, laser welding, or arc welding using carbon dioxide, etc.

[0114] Furthermore, mounting portions 41 with bolt holes can be provided at both ends of the reinforcing crossbeam 40 along its length (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y). Through these mounting portions 41, the ramp device 50 can be connected to the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 of the lower longitudinal beam 20.

[0115] For example, the mounting portion 41 may be formed with a different cross-sectional shape and / or a different material than the reinforcing beam 40. The mounting portion 41 may be formed separately and then joined to the reinforcing beam 40 by means such as welding, but is not limited to this.

[0116] As described above, the bolt 9 inserted into the ramp device 50 passes through the mounting portion 41 of the reinforcing crossbeam 40 and is inserted into and tightened to the tube nut 29 provided on the reinforcing longitudinal beam 25 of the lower longitudinal beam 20, so that the reinforcing crossbeam 40 and the floor panel 30 are combined together to the lower longitudinal beam 20, and the ramp device 50 can be securely installed.

[0117] In summary, the reinforcing beam 40 can be welded to the floor panel 30, and can also be bolted to the lower longitudinal beam 20 together with the floor panel 30. Therefore, at least one reinforcing beam 40 is arranged within the aforementioned quadrilateral frame structure F, thereby further strengthening the frame structure.

[0118] This reinforced quadrilateral frame structure F increases the rigidity of the vehicle body and serves as a load path for transmitting collision loads during a vehicle collision, thereby enabling it to respond to collisions and reduce the amount of deformation of the vehicle body.

[0119] Therefore, in a vehicle according to one embodiment, the ramp device 50 can be attached to the floor panel 30 via the mounting portion 41 of the reinforcing crossbeam 40, and can be connected and fixed to the vehicle body, for example, a pair of reinforcing longitudinal beams 25.

[0120] Furthermore, a rib 42 extending along the length direction (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) of the reinforcing beam 40 may be formed on the upper surface of the reinforcing beam 40. The rib 42 may be formed as a concave groove or a convex protrusion.

[0121] The depth or height of the rib 42, such as the depth of the groove or the height of the protrusion, can be variable, and as it extends toward the end of the reinforcing beam 40, the depth of the groove can become shallower or the height of the protrusion can become lower.

[0122] Therefore, the middle part of the reinforcing beam 40 can have an approximately M-shaped cross-section, and the upper surfaces at both ends can gradually flatten to present a simple hat-shaped cross-section.

[0123] In addition to the folded cross-sectional shape, the reinforced beam 40 can enhance the rigidity of the vehicle body against collision loads entering along the length direction of the reinforced beam (e.g., the vehicle width direction Y) by also forming ribs 42.

[0124] When a side collision occurs, the collision load input to the lower longitudinal beam 20 is transferred to the reinforcing crossbeam 40. The reinforcing crossbeam 40, together with multiple crossbeams 31 and 32, can serve as a component to support the collision load.

[0125] Therefore, reinforcing the crossbeam 40 can further improve the safety against side impacts, minimize the deformation of the vehicle body, ramp device 50 and battery module 60 during a side impact, and protect the ramp device 50 and battery module 60.

[0126] Figure 8This is a diagram showing the working status of the ramp device. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view showing the ramp device. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 Enlarged sectional view of part C, Figure 11 This is viewed from below. Figure 9 A three-dimensional image.

[0127] Reference Figures 8 to 11 The ramp device 50 may include a housing 51, a platform 52 movable between a stowed position inside the housing 51 and an extended position outside the housing 51, and a drive unit 53 installed inside the housing 51 and applying driving force to the platform 52. The drive unit 53 may include a motor, a reducer, etc.

[0128] Furthermore, the ramp device 50 may also include a power transmission mechanism (not shown) located between the drive unit 53 and the platform 52 and transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the platform 52. As the power transmission mechanism, a mechanism having a pair of sprockets and a chain, or a mechanism having gears and a lead screw, etc., may be used, but it is not limited to these.

[0129] The ramp device 50 constructed in this way can be installed in the recess 35 of the floor panel 30 and fixedly attached to the floor panel 30. When the driving force of the drive unit 53 is transmitted to the platform 52 via the power transmission mechanism, the platform 52 can be pulled out from the housing 51 and placed in the unfolded position with one end in contact with the ground. Then, when the drive unit 53 runs in the reverse direction, the platform 52 can be retracted into the housing and placed in the storage position.

[0130] For ease of explanation, a more detailed description of the construction and operation of the ramp device 50 will be omitted in this specification. Instead, the description will focus on the connection between the ramp device 50 and the vehicle body.

[0131] The housing 51 can accommodate components of the ramp device such as the platform 52 and the drive unit 53. For this purpose, the housing 51 may include an upper housing 51a and a lower housing 51b.

[0132] The housing 51 may include a plurality of reinforcing rails 57 attached to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a, and a plurality of connecting rails 58 attached to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a on both sides of each reinforcing rail 57.

[0133] The reinforcing rail 57 may be formed from a single plate having, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is bent or flexed into an open section, but is not limited to this. In fact, the reinforcing rail 57 may have an open section that is generally inverted hat-shaped.

[0134] Furthermore, the length of the reinforcing rail 57 may be greater than the length of the housing 51 in the width direction (e.g., the vehicle length direction X). Therefore, the reinforcing rail 57 may extend across the housing 51, and the ends of the reinforcing rail 57 may protrude from the housing 51 on both sides along the vehicle length direction.

[0135] The reinforcing rail 57 can be joined to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a by welding methods such as spot welding.

[0136] The connecting rail 58 may be formed from a single plate having, for example, a cross-sectional shape folded or bent into an open section, but is not limited thereto. For example, the connecting rail 58 may have a generally U-shaped open section.

[0137] Multiple connecting rails 58 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of a reinforcing rail 57 about the corresponding reinforcing rail 57. Furthermore, a connecting rail corresponding to one reinforcing rail 57 may be spaced a predetermined distance from a connecting rail corresponding to another reinforcing rail 57. The seat guide rail 10 may then be located in the space between these connecting rails.

[0138] The connecting rail 58 can first be bolted to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a to determine the engagement position, and then joined to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a by welding methods such as spot welding.

[0139] Multiple reinforcing rails 57 may include at least a pair, such as two reinforcing rails 57. The accompanying drawings show an example of using three reinforcing rails 57, but the number of reinforcing rails 57 is not limited to this. The ends of each reinforcing rail 57 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the vehicle length direction X) may be bolted to the first crossbeam 31.

[0140] For this purpose, a mounting bracket 59 with a cross-sectional shape bent into an inverted L and bolt holes can be welded to the two side walls of the upper housing 51a. Furthermore, bolt holes can be formed at the end of the reinforcing rail 57 along its length (e.g., the vehicle length direction X).

[0141] Furthermore, to connect the reinforcing rail 57, a plurality of partitions 39 can be spaced apart from each other on the first crossbeam 31. Bolt holes can be formed in each partition 39. At least two partitions 39 can be positioned corresponding to the inner longitudinal beam 33 on the first crossbeam 31.

[0142] like Figure 10 As shown, the bolt 9 inserted from the inner surface of the reinforcing rail 57 can pass through the reinforcing rail 57, the mounting bracket 59, the floor panel 30 and the partition 39 of the first crossbeam 31, and be tightened to the nut 7.

[0143] For example, in the case where the vehicle body includes a pair of front longitudinal beams 11 and a pair of rear longitudinal beams 12 as described above, at least two reinforcing rails 57 are respectively connected to inner longitudinal beams 33 arranged in a straight line on both sides and spaced apart from each other along the vehicle length direction X, thereby aligning with the front longitudinal beams 11 and the rear longitudinal beams 12 between a pair of first crossbeams 31 and connecting the front longitudinal beams 11 and the rear longitudinal beams 12.

[0144] Therefore, multiple reinforcing rails 57 connect the load paths between the front longitudinal beam 11 and the rear longitudinal beam 12, which are disconnected by the recess 35 of the floor panel 30 and the ramp device 50, thereby dispersing and transferring the collision load during a vehicle collision and reducing the deformation of the vehicle body.

[0145] Therefore, in a vehicle according to one embodiment, the ramp device 50 can be connected to the floor panel 30 via the reinforcing rail 57 and mounting bracket 59 fixed to the upper housing 51a of the housing 51, and connected to the vehicle body, for example, connected to a pair of first crossbeams 31 and a plurality of inner longitudinal beams 33.

[0146] Above the housing 51 of the ramp device 50, specifically on the upper surface of the upper housing 51a, are multiple seat rails 10 for mounting vehicle seats (see...). Figure 1 It can be arranged together with multiple reinforcing rails 57, spanning the housing 51 of the ramp device 50, extending along the vehicle length direction X.

[0147] When the ramp device 50 is placed in the recess 35 of the floor panel 30, the upper surface of the upper housing 51a and the second plane 38 of the floor panel 30 can be located on the same plane at the same height from the ground.

[0148] Then, multiple seat rails 10 are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the upper housing 51a in the space between the connecting rails 58, and can be bolted to the upper surface of the upper housing 51a via guide rail mounting brackets provided on each seat rail 10. For example, guide rail mounting brackets with bolt holes can be welded to the outer sides of both sides of the seat rail 10.

[0149] Multiple seat rails 10, together with multiple reinforcing rails 57 and multiple connecting rails 58, are arranged in a grid pattern on the upper surface of the upper housing 51a that constitutes the housing 51 of the ramp device 50. Therefore, the ramp device 50 can be securely fixed to the floor panel 30, and the durability and rigidity of the vehicle body, which would otherwise be disadvantageous due to the downward arrangement of the ramp device 50, are compensated for, thereby minimizing vehicle body deformation in the event of a side impact.

[0150] In addition, the housing 51 may include at least one channel portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the lower housing 51b for accommodating the reinforcing beam 40.

[0151] The lower housing 51b having the channel section 56 can be formed from a metal material such as steel, and can be formed by molding, bending, roll forming or a combination thereof using a press.

[0152] The channel portion 56 may have a generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The channel portion 56 may protrude from the lower housing 51b into the interior of the housing 51.

[0153] The depth of the channel section 56 can be at least equal to the height of the reinforcing beam 40.

[0154] By accommodating the reinforcing crossbeam 40 arranged on the first plane 36 of the floor panel 30 within the channel portion 56 of the lower housing 51b constituting the housing 51 of the ramp device 50, the ramp device 50 can be stably placed within the recess 35, and the ramp device 50 can also be prevented from moving along the vehicle length direction X.

[0155] As described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, the effect of installing the ramp device without interfering with the battery module layout is achieved.

[0156] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, the effects of enhanced vehicle body strength and improved support against side impacts are achieved.

[0157] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: Multiple crossbeams connect a pair of spaced-apart lower longitudinal beams; The floor panel is attached to the pair of lower longitudinal beams and has a recessed portion formed by a downward indentation. as well as At least one reinforcing crossbeam is mounted on the floor panel and its ends are respectively connected to the pair of lower longitudinal beams.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a ramp device installed in the recess on the floor panel.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the pair of lower longitudinal beams includes: Inner plate of lower longitudinal beam; The outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam has its first side connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam; The outer plate of the lower longitudinal beam is attached to the second side of the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam; and A reinforcing longitudinal beam is connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam on the side opposite to the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The reinforcing longitudinal beam is formed from extruded material to have at least one closed cross section.

5. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The reinforcing longitudinal beam is connected to the floor panel, the reinforcing crossbeam, and the ramp device by bolts.

6. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the pair of lower longitudinal beams further includes: The lower longitudinal beam extension is located between the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam and the reinforcing longitudinal beam; and An inclined panel, partially surrounding the reinforcing longitudinal beam, The upper ends of the lower longitudinal beam extension and the inclined panel are respectively connected to the floor panel, and the lower ends of the latter are connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam.

7. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of crossbeams includes a pair of first crossbeams and a pair of second crossbeams, and The pair of first crossbeams and the pair of second crossbeams are joined to the lower surface of the floor panel.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The pair of first crossbeams can be connected to the ramp device, and The recess is located between the pair of first crossbeams and has a depth equal to the height of the housing of the ramp device.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The pair of second crossbeams are spaced apart from and arranged parallel to the pair of first crossbeams, and The pair of second crossbeams connect to the pair of lower longitudinal beams as reinforcing longitudinal beams, forming a quadrilateral skeleton structure.

10. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The vehicle also includes a plurality of inner longitudinal beams disposed between the pair of lower longitudinal beams and connecting the pair of first crossbeams and the pair of second crossbeams.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of inner longitudinal beams is connected to the lower surface of the floor panel, and The inner longitudinal beam is connected to the front or rear longitudinal beam of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The ramp device includes: Casing; and Multiple reinforcing rails are attached to the upper surface of the housing.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of reinforcing rails extend across the housing and their ends protrude from the housing on both sides of the housing. The ends on both sides are bolted to the first crossbeam, such that the plurality of reinforcing rails connect the pair of first crossbeams.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The side wall of the housing is provided with a mounting bracket having bolt holes. The pair of first crossbeams are provided with a plurality of partitions having bolt holes and spaced apart from each other, and The plurality of reinforcing rails, the mounting brackets, and the partition are bolted together to the floor panel.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of reinforcing rails are connected to two of the plurality of inner longitudinal beams that are arranged in a straight line along the length of the vehicle and spaced apart from each other.

16. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The ramp device includes at least one channel section formed on the lower surface of the housing and housing the at least one reinforcing crossbeam.

17. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one reinforcing beam is located within the recess on the floor panel and is arranged parallel to the plurality of beams.

18. A lower longitudinal beam for a vehicle, the lower longitudinal beam comprising: Inner plate of lower longitudinal beam; The outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam has its first side connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam; The outer plate of the lower longitudinal beam is attached to the second side of the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam. as well as A reinforcing longitudinal beam is connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam on the side opposite to the outer reinforcing member of the lower longitudinal beam. The reinforcing longitudinal beam is connected to the vehicle's floor panel, reinforcing crossbeam, and ramp device by bolts.

19. The lower longitudinal beam according to claim 18, wherein, The lower longitudinal beam is connected to the second lower longitudinal beam via at least one crossbeam.

20. The lower longitudinal beam according to claim 18, further comprising: The lower longitudinal beam extension is located between the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam and the reinforcing longitudinal beam; as well as An inclined panel, partially surrounding the reinforcing longitudinal beam, The upper ends of the lower longitudinal beam extension and the inclined panel are respectively connected to the floor panel, and the lower ends of the latter are connected to the inner plate of the lower longitudinal beam.

Images